Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Atlanta, GA. While sometimes ending up in fender-benders, these crashes can cause serious and life-changing injuries. You may be dealing with whiplash and other injuries on top of missing work, vehicle damage, and mounting bills.
If your accident was caused by another driver, you may be entitled to money for your losses. Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC is here to help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Schedule a free case evaluation with an Atlanta rear-end crash lawyer today at (404) 869-8600 to discuss how we can help.
How Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC Can Help After a Rear-End Crash in Atlanta, GA
After a rear-end collision, you may be feeling overwhelmed, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. The insurance company may be unfairly blaming you or claiming you could not have been seriously hurt in a low-speed crash or with little property damage. That’s where we come in.
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, we provide personalized legal support and advocate for accident victims in Atlanta, Georgia. To date, our Atlanta car accident lawyers have recovered over $600 million for our clients.
Here’s what our rear-end crash lawyers in Atlanta, Georgia, can do for you:
- Conduct an investigation to determine causation and who may be held liable
- Collect evidence and work with experts to prove your damages and who caused your crash
- Defend you and ensure fault is assigned fairly
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Calculate your damages and demand full compensation
- Negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial if needed
Let us protect your rights and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation today with an Atlanta rear-end crash attorney ready to help you.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes in Atlanta, Georgia?
Nationwide, about 32% of all motor vehicle accidents are rear-end crashes. In Atlanta, rear-end collisions account for nearly 36% of crashes. There were almost 12,300 rear-end crashes in Atlanta in 2023 which caused almost 5,500 injuries and seven deaths.
Despite being the most common type of crash, the majority of rear-end collisions are caused by just two factors: following too closely and distracted driving.
Common reasons rear-end crashes occur in Atlanta include:
- Tailgating or following too closely, the cause of 25% of rear-end crashes
- Distracted driving, a major factor in 39% of all accidents in Atlanta
- Improper lane change
- Improper backing
- Reckless or aggressive driving such as brake checking and weaving in and out of lanes
- Mechanical failure, including brake failure, burned-out brake lights, and underinflated or worn tires
- Sudden stops, such as a driver braking hard in reaction to an animal on the road
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Most rear-end accidents could be avoided if motorists paid attention to the road and maintained a safe following distance. Unfortunately, when drivers fail to exercise reasonable care, others may pay the price.
What Types Of Damages Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision In Atlanta?
If you’ve been hurt in a rear-end accident, the law allows you to recover compensation for your losses from the at-fault party. These losses are called “damages,” and they fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the financial costs you’ve had to pay, or will have to pay in the future, because of your injuries. They may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care or rehab
- Lost wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity if can’t return to your job
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Diminished value to your vehicle, if it meets certain mileage and value requirements
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages don’t have a clear dollar amount, but they still reflect real losses. They may include:
- Physical pain
- Psychological and emotional anguish including depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive damages may be available if your case goes to trial. These are meant to punish the at-fault driver if their actions showed conscious indifference, wanton disregard for your safety and life, or intentional misconduct.
Can I Still Recover Money if I’m Partially To Blame for a Rear-End Accident In Georgia?
Yes, you can still recover money after a rear-end accident in Georgia even if you were partly at fault. Under the state’s comparative fault rule, each party is assigned a percentage of fault and corresponding liability for damages. If you are found less than 50% to blame, you can recover damages, but your recovery will be limited by your assigned share of fault.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Rear-End Crash in Georgia?
In Georgia, you have two years after your rear-end accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is set by the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Some exceptions may apply, such as when the injured person is a minor or if the at-fault driver can’t be located or leaves the state.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Atlanta Rear-End Crash Attorneys
Have you been hurt in a rear-end accident in Atlanta? You may be entitled to money to pay for your losses and medical care. An experienced Atlanta rear-end crash attorney at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC is ready to help. Call today for a free consultation.
